Niigata University of Health and Welfare Women's Table Tennis Team Qualifies for National Championship After Two Years

The table tennis club of Niigata University of Health and Welfare, part of the NSG Group, participated in the '73rd Spring Hokushinetsu Student Table Tennis Championship and 95th All-Japan Intercollegiate Table Tennis Championships – Team Division Hokushinetsu Regional Qualifiers,' held from May 8 (Fri) to 10 (Sun) at the Tsurugano Comprehensive Sports Arena in Niigata City. The women's team placed third in the Division 1 league, securing qualification for the 95th All-Japan Intercollegiate Table Tennis Championships (Intercollegiate Nationals).

This national appearance marks the team's second qualification, following their debut in 2024, making it their first return in two years. The Intercollegiate Nationals will be held from July 15 (Wed) to 18 (Sat) at the Yokohama Budokan in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The team aims to advance beyond the preliminary group stage, competing against top university teams from across Japan.

【Women's Team Members】

Rio Hoshina (2nd year, Department of Health and Sports Science, Nakanonishi High School)

Mirai Uchida (2nd year, Department of Health and Nutrition, Kitakoshi High School)

Himari Endo (2nd year, Department of Health and Sports Science, Niigata Seiryo High School)

Yuzuki Ota (2nd year, Department of Physical Therapy, Nakanonishi High School)

Mei Harima (1st year, Department of Health and Nutrition, Akita Commercial High School)

Yuu Sazekawa (1st year, Department of Health and Sports Science, Nakanonishi High School)

Yuzu Takagi (1st year, Department of Acupuncture and Health, Yamagata Gakuin High School)

Comments from Two Key Players

◆ Yuzu Takagi

1st year, Department of Acupuncture and Health (Yamagata Gakuin High School)

As this is my first national tournament, I aim to overcome nervousness and play in my own style. I will never forget my gratitude to everyone who supports us and will give my all in every match. Thank you for your support.

◆ Rio Hoshina

2nd year, Department of Health and Sports Science (Nakanonishi High School)

Our team's strength lies in our diverse personalities and strong camaraderie across all grades. In this tournament, we aim to advance from the preliminary group stage by focusing on every single point and demonstrating the results of our daily training. We will remain grateful to our supporters and strive together as one team. Your support is greatly appreciated.

【Tournament Overview】

Event Name: 95th All-Japan Intercollegiate Table Tennis Championships – Team Division

Dates: July 15 (Wed) – 18 (Sat), 2026

Venue: Yokohama Budokan (2-9-10 Odomari-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

【Hokushinetsu Regional Qualifiers Results】

Event Name: 73rd Spring Hokushinetsu Student Table Tennis Championship and 95th All-Japan Intercollegiate Table Tennis Championships – Team Division Hokushinetsu Regional Qualifiers

Dates: May 8 (Fri) – 10 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Tsurugano Comprehensive Sports Arena (2-3-46 Jindoji Minami, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture)

Result: 3rd place in Women's Division 1 League

【Niigata University of Health and Welfare】 https://www.nuhw.ac.jp/

One of the few comprehensive medical universities in Japan, it offers 6 faculties and 16 departments covering nursing, medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, sports, welfare, and medical IT. Leveraging its strengths as a comprehensive medical university, the institution provides practical education in 'team medicine,' essential in real-world medical settings. It has established university-wide, organized support systems for qualification exams and career placement, achieving top-tier national exam pass rates and high employment success. Additionally, with its unique environment featuring sports-related departments, the university promotes interdisciplinary learning that integrates 'sports' with 'medicine,' 'rehabilitation,' and 'nutrition.'

【Niigata University of Health and Welfare Table Tennis Club】

Now in its 8th year as a designated strengthening club, the table tennis club has built a solid foundation through years of challenges. In the previous year, the club gained national experience by participating in the individual division of the 91st All-Japan Intercollegiate Table Tennis Championships. Members come from diverse academic departments, balancing specialized studies with competitive sports while striving daily toward clear goals. Valuing independent thinking, action, and growth through table tennis, the club continues to challenge itself to enhance individual abilities and expand team potential.

＜About NSG Group＞

NSG Group is a corporate group comprising 101 organizations, with core operations in education, and medical, welfare, and caregiving services. It also operates in diverse fields including health and sports, construction and real estate, food and agriculture, trading, advertising, ICT, hotels, apparel, beauty, human resources services, and entertainment. Aiming to make each local community 'the richest and happiest city in the world,' the group works from a private-sector standpoint to create initiatives that revitalize regions, using 'people,' 'security,' 'work,' and 'charm' as key concepts.

＜NSG Group Website＞ https://www.nsg.gr.jp/